GMMK Pro Vs DROP CTRL

Good keyboards are expensive, but it doesn’t mean that you have to pay a lot for a good keyboard. The GMMK Pro Vs DROP CTRL are examples of why good and premium keyboards differ, and many deciding factors will be related to building quality. Both keyboards offer similar features and are equally customizable, but today we will see what else the two can offer and which model fits you best.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What are the GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL?
  • How is the Design of GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL?
  • What is the Switch on GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL?
  • How is the Typing Experience with GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL?
  • How is the Software for GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL?
  • GMMK Pro Vs DROP CTRL
  • Which Mechanical Keyboard to Buy?
GMMK ProDROP CTRL
Product Dimensions13.07 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches
‎14.5 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight3.88 pounds
‎2.12 pounds
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About the GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL

Mechanical keyboards are famous for their build quality and user experience. Nowadays, mechanical keyboards are customizable; you can reprogram the keys and customize the physical unit, such as changing the switch and keycaps. Many enthusiasts buy a keyboard frame and build one to meet their preferences. It is still a niche hobby, but more people are picking it up. Because mechanical keyboards are rarely cheap, it is wise to consider what the product can offer and what you need from the keyboard to match it with your application.

The GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL are some of the best mechanical keyboards you can buy today. These keyboards are highly customizable, so you can change the switch to a new one. However, they are different, and since the GMMK Pro is relatively more expensive, the DROP CTRL can be the more exciting alternative at about half the price. The GMMK Pro is a premium mechanical keyboard that lives it to the name but is also expensive. If you want a good keyboard, the DROP CTRL TKL is already a good choice. Read also: GMMK Pro Vs GMMK 2.

The main difference between the GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL is the build quality, styling, and some features, such as the knob you can find on the GMMK Pro. Which is the best option among these keyboards? The answer varies depending on your preferences, but we suggest considering the GMMK Pro if you want the best build and a solid choice. However, the DROP CTRL can be an excellent alternative if you are on a budget and want the same features.

GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL Design

One of the main differences between GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL is the styling because one is 75% while the latter is a TKL model, meaning the DROP CTRL has more keys on the right side, especially for navigation purposes. The build quality is better on the GMMK Pro because it is heavy with an aluminum base and frame, making it less versatile for those who often travel with the keyboard. On the other hand, the DROP CTRL has a good build quality, but it is not on par with GMMK Pro.

GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL Switch

Another crucial difference between these mechanical keyboards is the switch they come with. If you choose the GMMK Pro, this keyboard is also available in the barebone version so that you can buy the switch and keycaps separately. This way, the keyboard is cheaper, and you can have more freedom. If you buy the pre-built one, this keyboard comes with a Linear Fox switch, a very light and streamlined switch if you love the quiet performance and response-ability.

On the other hand, the DROP CTRL keyboard comes with the famous Cherry MX switch in brown, which is one of our favorite switches available because it is versatile and reliable. It is also not as noisy as the clicky blue, but still satisfying to press. Suppose you are unsatisfied with these switches; we can always customize the keyboard as both are hot-swappable. Modifying these keyboards is relatively easy, and all essential tools are included in the package.

GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL Typing Experience

Next, we want to see the typing experience with GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL. While the DROP CTRL TKL keyboard is cheaper, this keyboard already uses a PBT keyboard, and the typing experience is similarly impressive. The typing experience varies depending on your switch because these two are available in different setups. The tactile switch from DROP CTRL is Cherry MX, and it is impressive, with good feedback and manageable noise if you are working with other people in the same room.

As for GMMK Pro, we choose the Fox or linear switch, which is light and responsive. This switch feels like most linear switches you can find from other brands, but still reliable and have no issue. In addition, you can expect slight wobble on the larger keys like the spacebar or enter key, which dont affect the typing performance if you have used the keyboard. We recommend adding wrist support to reduce fatigue because these keyboards are relatively tall at around 1.7 inches.

GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL Software

You can customize many mechanical keyboards through the software. The GMMK Pro is compatible with Glorious Core which is good software as it is intuitive. You can map the keys, change the binding, polling rate, etc. Our only issue with this keyboard is the compatibility because users with Mac may find some functions like the print screen and browser don’t work on their device. On the other hand, the DROP CTRL’s main drawback is the lack of software compatibility, meaning you can only change the RGB lighting based on the built-in settings.

However, if you are willing to spend more time, the keyboard is supported by QMK, but the process is complicated. You can use their custom QMK tool to select the customization, and then you have to download and flash it to the keyboard. It is not an intuitive process but possible. Read also: GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q1.

GMMK Pro Vs DROP CTRL

The GMMK Pro and DROP CTRL are good keyboards for what they can offer, but they are different. The main difference between these impressive mechanical keyboards is the styling and software compatibility. The DROP CTRL is a TKL keyboard with more keys on the right and is wider. This keyboard comes with a Cherry MX switch and PBT keycaps which gives a satisfying typing experience, but it doesn’t have software, making it less convenient to program than GMMK Pro with its Glorious Core.

- Premium Design: Gasket-mounted, 75% percent fully modular, tkl hot swappable keyboard, built for everyone. Compatible with QMK & VIA opensource firmware. Also compatible with Glorious Core software.
- Gasket Mounted Plate Design: Naturally dampens keystrokes for a unique haptic and acoustic typing experience. Pre-lubed screw in GOAT stabilizers.
- CNC Aluminum Case: Individually Machined and Engraved - Aesthetic High-Profile Frame - High-Quality Aluminum. Create a custom mechanical keyboard 75% design
- Custom Lighting: Signature Side Lighting Panel - Fully programmable 16.8 million color RGB - Custom Per-Key RGB
- PUT YOURSELF IN CONTROL: Our flagship, the CTRL combines quality construction with feature-loaded functionality. A versatile tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard designed with input from the Drop community, it raises the bar for mechanical keyboards.
- PREMIUM ENGINEERING: Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs, the CTRL is rock-solid and ready for any setup.
- HALO CLEAR SWITCHES: This CTRL model comes equipped with Halo Clear switches, which have a slight preload and a light-yet-sharp tactile bump. Primarily used for typing, Halo Clear switches gently discourage bottoming out with each keystroke.
- HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY. Want to switch your switches? Customize the CTRL with ease thanks to hot-swappable switch sockets, which allow you to swap switches in seconds—no soldering required.

Conclusion

The decision is yours because we may have different preferences and budgets. We recommend the GMMK Pro as a solid, premium, and all-rounder mechanical keyboard for this keyboard to deliver a satisfying performance. But you can also get the DROP CTRL to save the budget because this keyboard is similarly impressive if you dont need to tweak the functions.